By Shashank Pasupuleti
By Shashank Pasupuleti
November 2023, Dhanteras, a prelude to Diwali, lights up houses, signifying wealth and well-being. Known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, this day honours Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, symbols of prosperity and health. ‘Dhanteras’ combines ‘Dhan’ (wealth) and ‘Teras’ (the 13th day of the lunar cycle), reflecting its age-old customs.
At the heart of Dhanteras are two stories: one narrates how a prince eluded a deadly prophecy through the lustre of gold and silver, and the other recounts the divine appearance of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari throughout the mythical Samudra Manthan. These testimonies inspire buying gold and lighting lamps, seen as omens of precise good fortune.
Dhanteras is rich with rituals, including early morning sacred baths, redecorating the residence, and crafting small footprints to symbolize Goddess Lakshmi’s access. Lighting diyas battles towards darkness and ill fortune, while unique pujas and offerings to the gods are seeking for benefits of wealth and fitness. Sharing chocolates and gifts strengthens own family and friendship ties.
On this day, shopping gold, silver, utensils, and different valuables is taken into consideration very lucky, drawing in prosperity. More than simply fabric gains, Dhanteras is a second to price fitness, wealth, family relationships, and basic joy.
Thus, Dhanteras 2023 is not merely a festival, however a fusion of records, legend, and subculture, celebrated to invite abundance and well being into our lives.
